I think the biggest problem most college grads who are applying for jobs face is that they don't really think about what employers need. Getting a job is the first real step into the "real world" where there aren't rote and well-trod paths to success. Many new grads treat applying for jobs as a kind of application process -- fill out my apps (resumes and cover letters) and then see what sticks. Why? Because _I_ need a job. Bzzt, wrong answer.
In contrast, the ideal candidate is passionate about whatever job they're going for. Make lists of companies that you would love to work at, and pursue them directly, whether there's a job listing open or not. Recruiters use LinkedIn to find candidates all the time... it is just as valuable for new grads just entering the workforce.
When pitching for startup funds, there's a saying: When you ask for money, you get advice. When you get advice, you get money. This applies to jobs too. People love talking about themselves and what they do. Luckily, if you're new, you stand to gain from that, and massively.
Finally, it pays to be prepared for interviews. I was just having dinner with a friend who's a producer at the biggest name game studio out there -- he was just complaining about how he'll ask if the candidate has played _____ game, and it'll be to the level of 'I tried the demo.' Trying the demo isn't good enough. Becoming a Level 32 Dwarf or thereabouts is probably what it takes, at least for this example.
Hiring managers, no matter what field, want to know that the person in front of them is a) smart, b) gets things done, and c) would love more than anything to work for them.
Yep, with interviews it's about the five P's - prior planning prevents poor performance. In the design world the interview process is heavily centered around your portfolio. So I recommend students show their portfolio to as many people as possible - teachers, advisors, friends, strangers - to (a) get their feedback and (b) learn the best way to talk about their work. Eventually you figure out the best talking points that people connect with.
The application process itself has to be methodical. I don't think in this climate you can shotgun your resume/portfolio out there and see who responds. Hiring managers have too many good people to choose from. The approaches need to be custom to the company/firm you're applying to, and memorable. Otherwise you'll never stand out. We got 1000+ resumes once for a job ad...and we're a small company. So many applications look the same - the unique and different ones caught our attention.
I like your three tips of what you need to communicate about yourself: a) smart, b) gets things done, and c) would love more than anything to work for them.
Comments
I think the biggest problem most college grads who are applying for jobs face is that they don't really think about what employers need. Getting a job is the first real step into the "real world" where there aren't rote and well-trod paths to success. Many new grads treat applying for jobs as a kind of application process -- fill out my apps (resumes and cover letters) and then see what sticks. Why? Because _I_ need a job. Bzzt, wrong answer.
In contrast, the ideal candidate is passionate about whatever job they're going for. Make lists of companies that you would love to work at, and pursue them directly, whether there's a job listing open or not. Recruiters use LinkedIn to find candidates all the time... it is just as valuable for new grads just entering the workforce.
When pitching for startup funds, there's a saying: When you ask for money, you get advice. When you get advice, you get money. This applies to jobs too. People love talking about themselves and what they do. Luckily, if you're new, you stand to gain from that, and massively.
Finally, it pays to be prepared for interviews. I was just having dinner with a friend who's a producer at the biggest name game studio out there -- he was just complaining about how he'll ask if the candidate has played _____ game, and it'll be to the level of 'I tried the demo.' Trying the demo isn't good enough. Becoming a Level 32 Dwarf or thereabouts is probably what it takes, at least for this example.
Hiring managers, no matter what field, want to know that the person in front of them is a) smart, b) gets things done, and c) would love more than anything to work for them.
Yep, with interviews it's about the five P's - prior planning prevents poor performance. In the design world the interview process is heavily centered around your portfolio. So I recommend students show their portfolio to as many people as possible - teachers, advisors, friends, strangers - to (a) get their feedback and (b) learn the best way to talk about their work. Eventually you figure out the best talking points that people connect with.
The application process itself has to be methodical. I don't think in this climate you can shotgun your resume/portfolio out there and see who responds. Hiring managers have too many good people to choose from. The approaches need to be custom to the company/firm you're applying to, and memorable. Otherwise you'll never stand out. We got 1000+ resumes once for a job ad...and we're a small company. So many applications look the same - the unique and different ones caught our attention.
I like your three tips of what you need to communicate about yourself: a) smart, b) gets things done, and c) would love more than anything to work for them.